The November 2011 issue of Flight Lines features CPA President Walt Barbo’s annual message reflecting on organizational accomplishments and challenges faced by Colorado’s aviation community. Barbo discusses the Colorado Pilots Association’s efforts to combat declining general aviation activity through collaborative initiatives like the newly formed Colorado General Aviation Alliance, while highlighting a critical concern: the aging pilot population. He emphasizes the importance of inspiring younger generations to pursue aviation careers and celebrates various CPA initiatives and committee accomplishments from the past year. The president also addresses airport-related challenges, including controversies at Longmont (LMO) and Erie (EIK) airports, reflecting on his extensive career with the FAA and the limitations pilot organizations face in influencing local airport decisions.
Key Topics
- General Aviation Decline: Efforts to reverse downward trends through organizational collaboration and the Colorado General Aviation Alliance
- Pilot Population Aging: Critical concern about the aging aviation community and need to inspire younger pilots
- Aviation Safety: Mountain Flying Program recognition and establishment of viable safety programs under new leadership
- Website & Communications: Website improvements and newsletters as organizational strengths
- Backcountry Access: Efforts to locate and open recreational airstrip sites
- Airport Issues: Challenges at Longmont (LMO) runway extension and Erie (EIK) crosswind runway closure
- FAA Policy & Airport Development: Discussion of federal funding conditions and local airport decision-making authority
Events & Activities
- Colorado Historical Society Hall of Fame Banquet – October 16 at Wings Museum; 350 attendees; 7 individuals inducted into Aviation Hall of Fame
- Light Sport Aircraft Expo – Annual event chaired by Brian Garrett; continuation of program initiated May 2011
- Regular Fly-ins – Ongoing CPA events throughout the year
Member News
- Megan Sayre – Joined board as chair of Flight Safety Committee
- Neil Davis – Developed improved, attractive website for CPA
- Nathan Kurth – Joined as chair of Backcountry/Recreational Airstrip Committee
- Brian Garrett – Chairs Light Sport Aircraft Expo Committee
- Blanche Cohen – Recognized as editor of Flight Lines newsletter
- Walt Barbo – CPA President; retired FAA official with extensive background in airport planning and development
